HP Envy All-In-One muted microphone - WILL NOT turn it back on.

[micari]

This is so frustrating but essentially - my computer will not unmute my microphone. I have uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers, I've factory reset my computer, I know it's not an issue with the headset as it works fine on other devices. When I run the troubleshooter, it simply says Audio device is muted. Great!  Thanks! Super helpful! When I go into the microphone array, I can see that levels are muted and it REFUSES to unmute. I would LOVE some help.

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @micari,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand you've already tried many potential solutions, and the issue persists with your microphone stuck on mute. Since the drivers have been reinstalled and a factory reset didn't resolve the issue, it's likely a software or settings-related problem rather than hardware. Let's go step by step to troubleshoot this.

May I know

1. Since when are you facing this issue

2. Have you made any changes on your PC post that this issue raised 

Please try the following Troubleshoots steps. 

1.    Turn off the Unit.

2.    Disconnect the AC adapter.

3.    Remove any discs from the disc drive.

4.    Remove memory cards from the card reader slot.

5.    Disconnect all nonessential peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, external hard drives, and USB flash drives.

6.    Disconnect the AC adapter press and hold the power button for approximately 15 seconds.

7.    Reconnect the AC adapter, and then turn on the computer.

Step 2

Turn off the unit and please press and hold the Windows key + letter B key and the power button together for 30 seconds after 30 seconds, 1st release the power button but keep holding the Windows key and B key for ten more seconds and then release these two keys If done correctly, you will see the display flashing once. Please attempt it thrice as this step and Restart the unit

Step3

The unit has to be turned off, Press Win+ V while holding these two keys then Press the Power button, continue to hold all three keys for 30 seconds and then release the Power button first and then release these two keys Please attempt it thrice  and then you may get a Pop-Up CMOS Check and it will restart the unit 

Even if you don't get a Pop-up restart the unit manually after 3 attempts.
 

Steps to Fix the Muted Microphone Issue on Windows 10:

1. Check Privacy Settings for Microphone Access

• Go to Start > Settings > Privacy.
• Scroll down on the left panel and select Microphone.
• Ensure that the Microphone access for this device is ON.
• Ensure that the Allow apps to access your microphone is ON.

2. Check Device Manager for Issues

• Right-click on Start and select Device Manager.
• Expand Audio inputs and outputs.
• Locate your microphone (it might be labeled as Microphone Array).
• Right-click the microphone and choose Properties.
• Under the Driver tab, make sure the driver is up-to-date by selecting Update Driver. You could also try Roll Back Driver if you recently updated it.
• Check if there are any error symbols (yellow triangle or red cross) next to the device.

3. Check the Sound Control Panel

• Right-click on the sound icon in the taskbar and select Sounds.
• Go to the Recording tab.
• Find your microphone (usually called Microphone Array or your specific headset).
• Right-click it and choose Enable (if it’s disabled).
• Go to Properties, then the Levels tab, and ensure the microphone is unmuted and set to a reasonable volume.

4. Check for Conflicting Applications

• Some apps might take control of your microphone, preventing others from using it.
• Close applications like Skype, Zoom, or any other communication apps.
• Test the microphone after restarting these applications or after rebooting the PC without those apps running.

 

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @micari,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand you've already tried many potential solutions, and the issue persists with your microphone stuck on mute. Since the drivers have been reinstalled and a factory reset didn't resolve the issue, it's likely a software or settings-related problem rather than hardware. Let's go step by step to troubleshoot this.

May I know

1. Since when are you facing this issue

2. Have you made any changes on your PC post that this issue raised 

Please try the following Troubleshoots steps. 

1.    Turn off the Unit.

2.    Disconnect the AC adapter.

3.    Remove any discs from the disc drive.

4.    Remove memory cards from the card reader slot.

5.    Disconnect all nonessential peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, external hard drives, and USB flash drives.

6.    Disconnect the AC adapter press and hold the power button for approximately 15 seconds.

7.    Reconnect the AC adapter, and then turn on the computer.

Step 2

Turn off the unit and please press and hold the Windows key + letter B key and the power button together for 30 seconds after 30 seconds, 1st release the power button but keep holding the Windows key and B key for ten more seconds and then release these two keys If done correctly, you will see the display flashing once. Please attempt it thrice as this step and Restart the unit

Step3

The unit has to be turned off, Press Win+ V while holding these two keys then Press the Power button, continue to hold all three keys for 30 seconds and then release the Power button first and then release these two keys Please attempt it thrice  and then you may get a Pop-Up CMOS Check and it will restart the unit 

Even if you don't get a Pop-up restart the unit manually after 3 attempts.
 

Steps to Fix the Muted Microphone Issue on Windows 10:

1. Check Privacy Settings for Microphone Access

• Go to Start > Settings > Privacy.
• Scroll down on the left panel and select Microphone.
• Ensure that the Microphone access for this device is ON.
• Ensure that the Allow apps to access your microphone is ON.

2. Check Device Manager for Issues

• Right-click on Start and select Device Manager.
• Expand Audio inputs and outputs.
• Locate your microphone (it might be labeled as Microphone Array).
• Right-click the microphone and choose Properties.
• Under the Driver tab, make sure the driver is up-to-date by selecting Update Driver. You could also try Roll Back Driver if you recently updated it.
• Check if there are any error symbols (yellow triangle or red cross) next to the device.

3. Check the Sound Control Panel

• Right-click on the sound icon in the taskbar and select Sounds.
• Go to the Recording tab.
• Find your microphone (usually called Microphone Array or your specific headset).
• Right-click it and choose Enable (if it’s disabled).
• Go to Properties, then the Levels tab, and ensure the microphone is unmuted and set to a reasonable volume.

4. Check for Conflicting Applications

• Some apps might take control of your microphone, preventing others from using it.
• Close applications like Skype, Zoom, or any other communication apps.
• Test the microphone after restarting these applications or after rebooting the PC without those apps running.

5. Use Windows Audio Troubleshooter

• Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
• Click on Additional Troubleshooters.
• Select Recording Audio, then click Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.

6. Reset Audio Settings

• Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar and select Sounds.
• Go to the Playback tab and right-click on your default audio device.
• Select Properties, go to the Enhancements tab, and check the box for Disable all enhancements.
• Go back to the Recording tab and do the same for your microphone device.
• Test the microphone afterward.

7. Run SFC (System File Checker)

Sometimes, system files related to audio might get corrupted. Running SFC can repair them:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
• Let the scan complete and follow any prompts that appear.

8. Check for Windows Updates

• Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Check for and install any pending updates, which may include fixes for audio issues.

9. Disable Audio Enhancements

• Go to Start > Settings > System > Sound.
• Under the Input section, click on your microphone device and select Device Properties.
• In Additional device properties, go to the Enhancements tab and check the box for Disable all sound effects or enhancements.
• Click Apply.

10. BIOS/UEFI Settings

In rare cases, your microphone might be disabled at the BIOS level. To check:

• Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F2, Delete, or Esc during startup).
• Look for any settings related to onboard audio or microphone settings.
• Ensure these are enabled.

11. Try a Different USB Port (If Using a USB Headset)

• If you’re using a USB headset, try plugging it into a different USB port.
• Test the microphone in a different port to rule out a faulty USB port.

Refer to this document: HP Desktop PCs - Advanced Sound Troubleshooting (Windows 11, Windows 10) 

How to Resolve Audio Issues Using HP Support Assistant
 

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

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